About Us

Danny educates and empowers his clients when it comes to insurance. He has served on advisory committees, participated as a panelist for risk management and helped develop new insurance programs. Danny is a member of the San Jose Rotary, San Jose Downtown Association, the Silicon Valley Organization, and the Silicon Valley Cannabis Alliance. Danny works with Cannabis Connect’s carriers, understanding product exclusions, inclusions and endorsements. Danny’s focus is to ensure Cannabis Connect only sells insurance products that provide you with the right coverage at the right cost.

Prior to joining Acrisure, Jim spent years in the cannabis industry founded and led several successful cannabis related ventures. He is well known for creating The 420 Games which was also a first of its kind event using pro athletes and athletics to de-stigmatize the plant and its many medicinal based users. He also created and ran New West Summit, the first technology conference for cannabis.

As an educator and speaker, McAlpine has spoken twice at SXSW, Harvard Medical School, The Super Bowl, Mill Valley Fim Festival and was a keynote moderator at the National Cannabis Industry Association Conference.

Jim has worked with entrepreneurs, executives, and industry leaders nationwide, developing an extensive network within the cannabis sector that includes cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, multi-state operators, and ancillary service providers. His firsthand understanding of the industry’s operational, regulatory, and risk management challenges allows him to provide clients with practical guidance and tailored insurance solutions.

Today, Jim works extensively with cannabis businesses to help them identify risk, strengthen their insurance programs, reduce total cost of risk, and protect the long-term value of their organizations. By combining deep industry knowledge with the resources and specialized expertise of Acrisure’s Cannabis Practice, he helps clients navigate one of the most complex and rapidly evolving industries in the country.

Daniel Garcia Jr. has over 9 years of experience in the commercial insurance and risk management space. Prior to insurance, he spent 6 years in the retail banking and financial planning industry, finishing his tenure in the industry with JP Morgan/Chase Private Client. In 2016, Daniel focused his business insurance efforts on the emerging cannabis industry. He found immediate success, leaning on his own experience and contacts from his time as a trimmer through college in the traditional cannabis market in Southern Humboldt.

Daniel has a passion for the cannabis industry and has a track record for bringing new markets and ideas to the forefront. Daniel has been an instrumental figure in the development of cannabis insurance programs, most notably with his work in helping Quadscore come to the marketplace.

A resident of Forestville, CA, David serves on the board of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. He previously served on the board of a Humboldt County-based coastal conservation organization. David is an alum of Muhlenberg College and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

Cindy Ponce is a very experienced broker and has provided insurance coverage to the industry since 2002. Cindy joined the Hayes Cannabis team in 2010 ultimately becoming the department head in 2016.  She later joined the VANTREO cannabis team via an agency consolidation. Well known for her expertise in cannabis coverage, Cindy became the exclusive cannabis broker for Golden Bear in 2017 after collaborating with their team during their entry into the Cannabis insurance market.

Jessica remains abreast of the latest developments in the cannabis industry, diligently staying informed about regulatory updates across different states. Jessica’s engagement in the cannabis industry has not only broadened her knowledge but also positioned her as a committed participant in the dynamic evolution of the cannabis scene. Her foremost commitment lies in delivering exceptional client service, grounded in a comprehensive understanding of cannabis before it became an industry.

Nicolette started her insurance career in 2018 as a Customer Service Representative. She worked her way up to an Account Coordinator with her own book of business specializing in the cannabis industry. On top of her career, Nicolette graduated cum laude from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She seeks to make an ever changing industry easier to navigate through excellent customer service.

Kenzie is a dedicated professional with a passion for commercial insurance. Beginning her journey as a Marketing Assistant in 2022, she quickly proved herself as a valuable asset to the team with her strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Through her hard work and dedication, Kenzie transitioned to the role of Account Coordinator in 2024 at Cannabis Connect Insurance, an Acrisure Partner, where she continues to excel in providing top-notch service to clients. With a commitment to excellence and a drive for success, Kenzie plays an integral role in ensuring client satisfaction and success.